Patient education and intrauterine contraception: a study of two package inserts

In July 1975 the Food and Drug Administration proposed a patient information package insert for all women considering use of an intrauterine device. In the same year we also prepared a brochure to be given to women considering use of a specific intrauterine contraceptive, the PROGESTASERT system. To compare these information sources for the patient, we surveyed by mail 253 women who are or had been PROGESTASERT system users. Each woman received either the FDA or our own prepared version. Comprehension of the two inserts was generally comparable, but readers of our insert found its informational content more complete. The survey findings affirmed the desirability of providing the patient with an educational brochure to be read prior to IUD insertion.